According to a new poll Queen’s Brian May has been named the greatest guitarist of all time

Over the last century, there have been some truly incredible rock guitarists.

But now Queen's Brian May has officially been "crowned" as the greatest rock guitarist of all time.

As voted for by Total Guitar magazine's readers, the 72-year-old beat Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page and even Jimi Hendrix for the top spot.

The magazine shortlisted 170 players which they split into six categories: classic rock, blues, heavy metal, shred, indie/alternative and 'best right now'.

Fans got to vote online – with May winning the rock category.

Reacting to the news, May told the publication: "I'm absolutely speechless. I'm blown away. I have to say it's completely unexpected.

"Obviously I'm deeply touched that people feel that way about me. I'm not under any illusions that, technically, I'm even on the tree of great guitarists.

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The Queen legend continued: "I guess this tells me that what I've done has affected people, and that means a great deal to me. I will never claim to be a great guitarist in the sense of, you know, a virtuoso. I guess I just try to play from my heart and that's about it."

On beating Hendrix to the top spot, he said: "Well, it is very humbling. Jimi is, of course, my number one. And I've always said that. To me, he's still something superhuman.

"Every time I go back to Hendrix, I'm thrilled and stunned and I get that feeling all over again, like either I'm going to give up playing guitar, because I can't face up to this, or I'm gonna really have to get into it in a big way and try and do what is in my own body and soul. I never stop learning from Jimi."

A well-deserved honour!